“Oh Mary, where to even start? When Mary is in her element, everything about her is pure magic. Truly – she glitters and glows and exudes so much love. She is a brilliant artist and musician – rhythm simply seeps out of her entire being. She is such a talented teacher. Her role is probably the most unique in this organization, and she is an integral part of some of my most favorite trainings and offerings. She is also a gifted healer, and I trust the deeply intuitive work she does with all of my heart, and soul, and mind. The crossing of our paths was a divine introduction, for sure.”
-Bettina Shultz-Jobe, NL Co-Founder and CEO
Each month, we shine a light on one of our team members who continually inspires us and enriches our community. This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Mary Oliver, our Rhythm and Art Education Coordinator.
Mary’s journey into the heart of Natural Lifemanship is an inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and passion for healing through the arts. From her background in teaching and art to her transformative work with rhythm and sound, Mary brings warmth, wisdom, and an infectious passion that uplifts everyone around her.
A Creative Journey Rooted in Family and Nature
Mary’s roots run deep in the rolling hills of Kentucky, where she grew up on a family farm established in 1889. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the land and grounded by her close-knit family, Mary developed a lifelong connection to nature that continues to inspire her work.
After spending 34 years teaching visual and performing arts in public schools, she decided it was time for a new chapter. Austin, Texas, where her daughter was already working in the gaming industry, became her new home.
Not long before her move to Austin, Mary took a workshop on group drumming—a practice she had enjoyed while teaching music to her young students. The experience rekindled her love for rhythm, and she quickly realized she wanted to deepen her knowledge. By becoming certified through Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS program and training with other experts like Christine Stevens and Arthur Hull, Mary unlocked new avenues for using rhythm and sound as tools for wellness.
She has since expanded her expertise, studying sound healing and energy work, all of which laid the groundwork for the invaluable skills she would later bring to NL.
A Chance Encounter and a New Path
Mary’s introduction to Natural Lifemanship happened during her HealthRHYTHMS training, as training she did while moving to Austin. There she crossed paths with another participant who shared a passion for rhythm and equine assisted therapy. Their conversation turned serendipitous when Mary mentioned she was moving to Austin and looking for ways to incorporate drumming into therapeutic work with horses. As fate would have it, this participant was already connected with Bettina, NL’s CEO and Co-founder, and quickly arranged an introduction.
In the spring of 2017, Bettina invited Mary to join a Fundamentals training to experience the NL approach firsthand. “My mind was blown,” Mary recalls, reflecting on her first encounter with the NL principles. “I wish I had known all I learned that weekend before I became a mom and before I became a teacher. It would have made me much better at both.”
That weekend marked a turning point, and Mary officially joined the NL team, where she channels her talents and insights into a role that’s perfect for her.
The Art of Connection through Rhythm and Nature
In her role as NL’s Rhythm and Art Education Coordinator, Mary has been instrumental in expanding the Rhythmic Riding training and the Personal Immersion Training. She also helped Bettina develop the Connection Kits.
Mary’s teaching isn’t confined to conventional classrooms or schedules. At NL’s new school, Old Mill Creek Schoolhouse, her classroom is the barn (+ 73 beautiful acres, ponds, and a winding creek!), where kids explore rhythm, art, and mindfulness amid the natural sights and sounds of ranch life.
She lights up when she describes the flexibility and freedom the program offers. “At my [old] school, the kids only got 20 minutes of free play in an eight-hour day,” she shares. “Here, they can be outside, take breaks, and learn through play. Watching them thrive with nature, movement, and rhythm all around them has been incredible.”
Overcoming Challenges with a Grateful Heart
Despite her passion for teaching and creating, Mary faces the unique challenge of juggling many roles. Alongside her work at NL, she teaches visual art and drumming to diverse groups through Art Spark Texas, where she connects with elders, veterans, teens, and adults with disabilities. She also handcrafts instruments like drums, rattles, and rain sticks, and provides individual sessions for sound healing and Reiki.
At the core of everything Mary does is a desire to bring calm, connection, and healing to those she encounters. Her work with NL has played an essential role in her own growth and healing journey, and she considers her contributions to NL as part of a larger purpose. “NL has been such an integral part of my own growth and healing,” she reflects. “I am so grateful to be part of this amazing team.”
“Seeing the difference I make in people’s lives is worth every minute,” she says. Her schedule may be full, but Mary’s heart is even fuller—driven by the joy and peace she witnesses in others through her work.
Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL
As NL grows and its community expands and becomes even more deeply connected, Mary eagerly looks ahead to the new possibilities unfolding at the ranch. She marvels at the beauty of the space, which has become an ever-more welcoming haven for healing and connection.
The upcoming Rooted 2025 conference is another source of excitement. Mary has had the joy of participating in every conference since 2017 and she says, “It’s unlike any other conference. There’s so much to learn, so much to experience. If you haven’t been to an NL conference, you really need to come.”
When asked what she would say to someone unfamiliar with Natural Lifemanship, Mary is quick to emphasize how universally relevant it is. “NL isn’t just for people who work with horses—it’s for everyone,” she explains. “We’ve all experienced trauma of one kind or another. Our minds and nervous systems develop ways to keep us safe, but these can also prevent us from forming healthy relationships. NL teaches us how to rewire our brains, retrain our nervous systems, and foster meaningful connections. It’s a game changer.”
A Lasting Impact
Mary brings her whole heart to each endeavor. Her passion for rhythm, healing, and authentic connection is felt by everyone in the NL community, making her an invaluable member of our team. Thank you, Mary, for all you bring to NL. You are a true inspiration, and we’re grateful to walk this path with you.
If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.
Learn more at naturallifemanship.com/memberships.
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